“New year, new me” is a common phrase heard by many when New Year’s Eve arrives.

Not only are people ready for a fresh start, but they go all out with international and popular traditions that excite everyone for what’s to come. 

There are many traditions practiced throughout the world but the most common ones in the United States include:

Wear white outfits 

This common tradition that originated in Brazil consists of wearing all white outfits to welcome the new year with good luck and peace. 

Out of 34 Loretto students who responded to the survey, about 11.8% practice this tradition.

Eat 12 grapes

When the clock strikes midnight, it is traditional for people to eat exactly 12 grapes for the 12 months of the upcoming year.

Once again this is a symbol of good luck that began in Spain, but is practiced by many Mexicans, today.

Among the 34 students at Loretto Academy, who responded to the poll, 79.4% stuff their mouths with grapes as fast as they can each year.

Run with empty suitcases

Empty suitcases are the way to go if you are hoping for a year traveling.

The tradition includes grabbing your suitcases and going for a run around the block as fast as you can.

This tradition originated in Columbia and although it may seem unusual, it is perfect for travelers.

About 11.8% of Loretto students practice this tradition every year when the “Happy New Year” cry is heard all over.

Keep the windows open

As the old phrase goes, “Out with the old, in with the new.”

Good vibes are always wished upon which causes families all over the world to leave their windows and sometimes even doors open. 

It is believed to let the old year vanish and the new year enter unhindered.

As few as 5.9% of students follow this surprising custom.

Wear different colored garments

Yes, colors influence people on New Years to help them decide what will occur in the next 12 months.

Red is worn wishing for love.

Yellow is worn to expect luck and wealth.

17.6% of the Loretto family voted that this is an annual celebration for their family.

Make New Year’s resolutions

One thing about resolutions and goals for the new year is making them and another is actually keeping them.

Worldwide, people write down what they hope to achieve in the next year.

This motivates them to start off on the right foot. 

After all, 85.3% of students at Loretto can verify this fact.

Many students practice other yearly traditions such as giving a speech or simply sharing a kiss on the cheek with a loved one.

One of the most common traditions is lightning sparklers.

This is practiced by Loretto Academy junior,  Maria Jose Rodriguez.

Rodriguez said, “Out of all the New Year’s traditions, lighting sparklers can certainly be considered one of my favorites of all time.

It is amazing to see the bright lights sparkle and share this moment, of being lost in the light, with my family. 

I hope these moments with my parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family will last me a lifetime.”

There are millions of other traditions all around the world, but after learning about these, one might like to experiment with new traditions for the upcoming year of 2022.